A former employee of Six Flags Magic Mountain has filed a substantial lawsuit alleging racial discrimination, wrongful termination, and several other grievances against the theme park and its parent company. Charles Winters, a resident of Los Angeles County, is seeking £25 million in damages as he accuses the organisation of fostering a hostile work environment during his employment from November 2022 to July 2025.
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The allegations, documented in a civil complaint submitted to the Los Angeles Superior Court on July 2, detail what Winters alleges to be consistent harassment and discriminatory practices specifically targeting him and other African American employees. As part of his role as a food service team member, Winters claims he was frequently assigned to perform laborious cleaning tasks, while his White colleagues were often given less intensive duties, primarily involved in customer service at the cash register.
Winters also points to what he describes as the park’s apparent preference for employees not of African descent. He claims that over three years, approximately 20 to 30 Black employees were hired only to be quickly dismissed. In contrast, he notes that non-African American employees appeared to enjoy more job stability, raising suspicions about the park’s hiring practices.
A troubling incident highlighted in the lawsuit relates to a Christmas party held in December 2024, which Winters claims he and his African American colleagues were not invited to. He states that he discovered the event via a notice posted on an employee bulletin board. Upon questioning a supervisor about the invitation, he was allegedly informed that the party had been cancelled, only to later learn through a coworker that it proceeded as scheduled.
The discrimination Winters is alleging extends to workplace management practices. In January 2025, he asserts that African American employees faced excessive oversight in their duties — a stark contrast to the treatment of their White counterparts. He claims that they were pressured into upselling merchandise and were even threatened with disciplinary action for failing to do so.
One notable incident occurred on June 21, 2025, after the park had closed for the day. Winters recounted that while exiting through the employee wardrobe department, he was approached by a White security guard who interrogated him about his presence, despite wearing an employee badge visibly. Winters felt this scrutiny was racially motivated, stating that the guard’s behaviour was indicative of a larger pattern of discrimination.
As tensions escalated, Winters claims that the security guard requested that deputies from the local Sheriff’s department be called, although he maintains this was unwarranted. After showing his employee badge to the officers, he was permitted to leave the premises. Following this incident, Winters reported the security guard’s conduct to the company’s human resources department.
Subsequently, Winters was suspended without pay while the park investigated the incident. However, upon returning to work on July 3, 2025, he was informed by management that he had been terminated. The official reason given for his dismissal was allegedly his failure to cooperate with security and not displaying his badge, a claim Winters disputes vehemently.
The naming of several individuals in the lawsuit suggests that specific managers were involved in the misconduct Winters attributes to the park. Alongside Six Flags Magic Mountain and its parent company, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, Winters has named two managers known as Jose and Keith Doe in the legal action.
The lawsuit encompasses several serious claims, including alleged racial discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination, and defamation. Winters is also pursuing general damages of £5 million, along with equal amounts for special damages, actual and consequential damages, as well as compensation for physical injuries and emotional distress.
In response to the allegations, a spokesperson from Six Flags stated that the company does not comment on ongoing litigation, but a significant legal battle appears imminent. Winters now awaits a jury trial to determine the merits of his claims against the amusement park giant. The case highlights ongoing issues relating to workplace discrimination, particularly in environments meant for recreation and family enjoyment.